Women and Infants Birthing Experience?

I had both my children at W&I (my son in 2005 and my daughter in 2007); the ABC was open during that time. I opted for the 'regular' hospital because I wanted the option of drugs. I wanted to labor as long as possible without drugs and I went about 8 hours before getting an epidural. The staff helped me labor standing up, take a shower; there's even a bathtub and birthing balls you can use. We also hired a private doula to coach us and she worked well with the hospital staff. I found it to be a very open and non-clinical setting.

For my daughter, I was scheduled for a c-section with a footling breech. We never made it out of triage and she came out feet first. The birthing staff was amazing there. They knew exactly what to do and my daughter only had a broken elbow, which was minor considering the traumatic way in which she came out.

I think the openness to a VBAC has more to do with the OBGYN; if your doctor is not in favor of it and fights you on it, you may want to consider finding one that does. MY doctor always favored vaginal births whenever possible.

My sister had an emergency C-section with her first, then had two successful VBACs after that at Morton Hospital, which is a much smaller community hospital than W&I. She was very persistent with her OBGYN and hired a doula for support and all went well.

Unless you have a medical reason to make a VBAC dangerous, there is generally no reason you can't have one unless a hospital or doctor will not cooperate. A well-trained OBGYN and nursing staff will monitor the situation and watch for signs of fetal distress.

I wish you much luck and a happy birth, not matter which way you go!

My first child was born at Women and Infants and my second at Kent Hospital. I know a couple who used the abc, but had to go to a regular labor delivery room because the birth was not progressing and the team in the LDR followed as closely to the plan as possible and mom and dad were very happy with the experience. I had natural childbirth both times and found the nurses at W&I to be very supportive. I had a better experience at Kent, however, but some of that may have been my mindset going into labor the second time. Don't know if this helps, but there's my opinion.

I had a HBAC (homebirth VBAC) with Deborah Eastman and highly recommend her and the home birth route - no worries about when doctors & nurses would get worried about laboring on a scar, or going past my due date, and she really worked with me on diet when I had traces of stuff in my dips.

I did not have a vbac, but I delivered both of my children at W&I. My daughter was born in the ABC & it was wonderful. My son was born on the floor because the ABC was full. I suggest bringing a written birth plan to give your nurse & going over it ahead of time with your doctor. They were very accomodating to me when I was on the floor. It's not as homelike as the ABC, but they do have a whirlpool on the floor & you can use birthing balls & such if you request them. They will also let you play whatever music you like & you can keep the lights dim. You can also bring a sign to put on your door that you want people entering to talk quietly & not turn on the lights. One thing that I remember driving me nuts on the floor was a clock right at eye level of the foot of the bed. You may want to suggest they cover it. Good luck to you & congratulations.

I had a home birth my second time and I can heartily recommend two homebirth midwives. Miriam Khalsa is one, Deborah Eastman the other. I know that's not what you are asking about, but the advantages to using a homebirth midwife are many. They will perform v-bacs, they have extensive experience with everything having to do with birth and newborn care, you can decide exactly who is at your birth and the specifics of the birth environment, and you don't have to go anywhere during labor! The two I mentioned will not hesitate to transport to a hospital if necessary (not the case with some more die-hard midwives I interviewed).
Good luck!

In June 2007 I had a natural VBAC at Woman and Infants (not the alternative birthing center). It was an amazing experience due to the support of my husband, birthing coach (my mom), and amazing doctor (Dr. Connelly from Center for OBGYN). They helped keep me relaxed and focused on the process. The nurses respected my space and were extremly kind and supportive of my birthing plan. Although the environment itself was certainly not personal or home-like, I was able to put that aside and enjoy the experience in the moment. To be honest, I couldn't even tell you what the delivery room looked like or what type of lighting they had! I left the hospital within 24 hours and returned to the comfort of my own home. Good luck with your pregnancy and delivery! I wish you the best :)